Antioch University has lost a dear friend and colleague. Marva Cosby, an alum of our Midwest campus who served on the Antioch University Midwest Board of Trustees and later on the University Board of Governors, passed away on February 9, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.
“Marva was deeply committed to the social justice mission of Antioch University. She joined the Board of Governors at a time of significant change and reinvention,” said Antioch University Chancellor Bill Groves. “She led with integrity and with a commitment to serving others. We will miss her strength, grace, and sense of humor.”
Described as a Dayton trailblazer and avid volunteer by the Dayton Daily News, Marva was born in Muncie, Indiana, on May 25, 1949. After graduating from Muncie Central High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Ball State University and an MA in Management from Antioch University’s Midwest campus. Marva was a Human Resource Management Executive. Following a long career at Eastman Kodak Company, she continued sharing her expertise as President of Cosby Consulting Group, LLC, and as a certified leadership coach.
She held the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) designation through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) designation through the Institute for Professional Excellence Coaching. Additionally, she is a member and past president of the Miami Valley Human Resource Association, the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.
Serving, giving, and connecting were always high on Marva’s life agenda. She served on the Board of Trustees for Sinclair Community College, The Dayton Foundation, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, Premier Health, and many others. Marva was a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, and The Links, Inc. Marva loved golf and served in leadership positions for the Madden Women’s Association, Fairway Golf Club, and LPGA Amateurs Dayton (OH) chapter. In recognition of her community service and leadership, she was honored by the Dayton Area YWCA as a 2015 Women of Influence honoree and by the Dayton Daily News as a 2012 Ten Top Women honoree.
“One of the hallmarks of an Antioch education is learning to serve others,” Chancellor Groves adds. “Marva was a paragon of servant-leadership throughout her adult life. We celebrate her life and many accomplishments.”
